Assisted Death for the Terminally Ill – Yes or No? (2012, October 20). Over my dead body; Assisted suicide. The Economist, 405(8807), 55(US). This article recognizes the increasing acceptance of assisted suicide amongst the public and across the world. Despite so, there are still groups of people who are apprehensive about legalizing euthanasia as they are worried that it may have negative implications. The article gives a detailed description of the requirements that must be met before a person is allowed to go through with assisted suicide. It also uses data to prove that safety measures put in place are being followed and there is barely any abuse of the law in places that legalize assisted suicide. Although voluntary euthanasia is still considered as murder, many doctors in Europe give patients or their family the choice of proceeding with treatment or undergoing passive euthanasia. The article also talks about the possible reasons why people opt for assisted suicide, including loss of independence, dignity, and more. The use of statistics shows that substantial research has been done by the author to prove his point, confirming it is a good source to support the legalization of assisted suicide. As “The Economist” is a reputable magazine, this source is credible and is unlikely to publish articles without prior research. Cassity, S. A. (2009). To Die or Not To Die: The History and Future of Assisted Suicide Laws in the U.S. Utah Law Review, 2009 (2), 515-523. The journal looks into the history of laws related to assisted suicide and its possible future in the United States. It makes a clear distinction between assisted suicide and euthanasia by explaining the methods used in each type to end the life of another. It also highlights the extensive requirement patients must meet before he/she is able to undergo physician-assisted suicide. The author recognizes the fact that there will be even greater support for assisted suicide and euthanasia in the future, but asserts that it is unlikely for the law to change in the near future considering the potential negative implications should assisted suicide be legalized. As euthanasia and assisted suicide are usually assumed to mean the same thing and is therefore used interchangeably by many, this journal gives an elaborate explanation to differentiate the two. The journal is really handy as it talks about the possible social implications of legalizing assisted suicide in the other states, a component that I would like to delve into in my paper.
Dalby, D. (2013, April 30). Irish Woman Loses Appeal for Assisted Death. The New York Times, pp. A9(L).
This article is about a terminally ill Irish woman who is unable to get the court’s approval to continue with assisted suicide. She believes that she should have a say regarding decisions that concerns her life, especially since suicide has been made legal in the country. However, the court refuted her claims by stating that the legalization of suicide does not give people the “right to die.” Furthermore, there are worries that making an exception for this Irish woman will cause the public to demand for the legalization of euthanasia. This article showcases a real-life example of a terminally ill patient who was not given the right to end her life with assistance and substantiates it with reasons provided by the court. This article is exceptionally useful for my introduction in giving readers an overview of the struggles that terminally ill patients go through. Edelman, S. (2012, October 22). Time for Politicians to Recognize the Right to Die with Dignity. The Sydney Morning Herald, pp. 11. The author’s opinion of wanting euthanasia to be accepted in Australia is reflected strongly in this article. Polls conducted throughout the years have proven that Australians are for the idea of legalizing euthanasia. Despite the strong support, euthanasia still remains illegal in Australia. Edelman attributes this to the resistance of religious parties. As the members of the political party with significant power are dedicated followers of their religion, politicians who are more accepting to the idea of making euthanasia lawful are afraid of voicing out their opinions. Edelman strongly feels that Australians should start standing up for their rights and makes it clear that they have a say in matters that concern their lives. This article provides a differing perspective regarding euthanasia as it argues that euthanasia is an important option for the terminally ill and their loved ones, and should therefore be legalized. While it is a very opinionated article, it can be seen that Edelman had done substantial research (polls and the history of attempts to legalize euthanasia) to support her arguments. Hanford, J. (2006). The Pastor and Bioethics. Pastoral Psychology, 55(2), 175-182. doi:10.1007/s11089-006-0044-z This article helps us understand the religious view towards physician-assisted suicide. The author believes that having a deeper understanding and faith about religion will allow people to have a clearer perspective regarding life and death; and therefore be able to make more reasoned choices. Dr. Jack Kevorkian’s opposition towards religion is used as an example by Hanford. Kevorkian sees religion as an obstacle in medical development and thus condemns people’s devotion to their religion. A counter example used by Hanford is about a doctor who brought his patient to church and prayed for her to die peacefully. She died soon after without the influence of technology. The article shows that religious groups are still resistant to the use of technology in assisting people to end their lives. However, it is evident that the religious are advocates of using prayer to hope for a peaceful and easy death. This article will be of use to me when explaining the religious reasons why assisting the terminally ill with ending their lives should not be allowed. Hosseini, H. M. (2012). Ethics, the Illegality of Physician Assisted Suicide in the United States, and the Role and Ordeal of Dr. Jack Kevorkian before His Death. Review Of European Studies, 4(5), 203-209. doi:10.5539/res.v4n5p203 This paper makes use of Dr. Kevorkian to exemplify the various moral and ethical issues surrounding physician-assisted suicide. The controversy arose when the self-recorded video of Dr. Kevorkian injecting a lethal drug into a man who was diagnosed with a terminal disease was broadcasted to the public. Some agreed with Dr. Kevorkian’s actions because it meant dying with dignity, but many others reacted negatively to the video. The author utilized moral values to argue both for and against physician-assisted suicide. I feel that the author has provided strong, valid points in his article. He also effectively made use of moral values to construct his arguments regarding physician-assisted suicide. This article portrays the genuine reactions the public has with regards to assisted suicide. As such, the article is useful because I will be discussing whether the public is really agreeable to and ready for the legalization of assisted suicide in my paper. Keller, J. (2012, October 25). Assisted suicide too risky, federal government argues in appeal against B.C. decision. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/assisted-suicide-too-risky-federal-government-argues-in-appeal-against-bc-decision/article4673820/ The news article talks about the government’s opposition to legalizing assisted suicide because of the multiple risks involved. The government fears that making assisted suicide lawful will negatively affect quality of life and encourage the helpless (such as the old, the disabled, and the terminally ill) to turn to assisted suicide without careful thought. The government pointed out that although there are safety measures put in place in countries that legalize assisted suicide, the measures are often not heeded and patients are killed mistakenly. Also, the requirements to be met before assisted suicide can be performed are actually ambiguous. The B.C. case which permitted a sick lady to go through with assisted suicide has sparked arguments concerning assisted suicide in Canada. This article allows me to see the government’s perspective of assisted suicide and the concerns the government have in legalizing assisted suicide. It also portrays the loopholes in the assisted suicide procedures. Math, S. B., & Chaturvedi, S. K. (2012). Euthanasia: Right to life vs right to die. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 136, 899-902. This article gives a brief introduction and definition of euthanasia, and the various types of euthanasia that exist. It illustrates several issues that arise from the demand to legalize euthanasia and discusses both the supporting and opposing opinions surrounding it. Several concerns with regards to legalizing euthanasia are the loss of quality in the state’s healthcare, and the possibility that people will take advantage of the law for personal gains. On the other hand, some reasons why people might opt for euthanasia include financial difficulties, terminal diseases, not wanting to be a burden to their loved ones, and being unaware of the alternatives to euthanasia. A unique point that the authors mentioned is that euthanasia may open doors for organ donations. This is an area that I can conduct further research on with regards to euthanasia and its implications. This is an informational article which clearly gives both sides of the argument without bias. It is also evident that significant research has been done. It is definitely a helpful source for my paper as it can help support my arguments.

Somerville, M. (2006). Right-to-Die Laws Would Damage Society. In J. Woodward (Ed.), At
Issue. The Right to Die. San Diego: Greenhaven Press.
The author is against the idea of legalizing the “right to die” as she believes that it will be harmful to the society. She asserts that giving people the right to die challenges existing social values. She also argues that the legalization of euthanasia may cause people to be skeptical in receiving medical treatment as they may lose trust in the medical industry. More importantly, legalizing euthanasia may negatively affect people’s moral beliefs and suggest to the public that death is an easy way out of suffering. The author also mentioned several reasons why some believe euthanasia should be legalized. This is a good source as the author gives a strong argument to support her stand. She uses her past experience to make a judgment on the possible societal views surrounding euthanasia and admits that it is difficult to change the public’s view on it. I believe that this will be a useful article as it gives credible reasons that could be argued in my paper.